At least that’s how Cubs manager Craig Counsell sees it. The 34-year-old left-handed Cubs pitcher was named to the National League All-Star team on Sunday and joins outfielders Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, who were announced as starters on Wednesday.

On Sunday, MLB announced Paul Skenes is going back to the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season. Skenes started the ASG in Texas last year and delivered a scoreless first inning against the likes of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge.

Gore, a 26-year-old starter, and Wood, a 6-foot-7 outfielder, have been bright spots this season amid the Nationals’ dreary rebuild.